EUCAS accreditation gives market boost to Dalby Regional Saleyards

Council Spokesperson for Council Facilities Cr Ray Brown with Elders Area Manager Ashley Loveday at the first EUCAS accredited sale at the Dalby Regional Saleyards.

The Dalby Regional Saleyards @ Western Downs is set to see greater cattle selling opportunities and export markets open up for vendors, with the facility now fully accredited under the European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS), and able to trade EUCAS cattle for export to countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and Italy.

As hosts of the largest same-day prime cattle sale and one of the largest cattle selling centres in Australia, the Dalby Regional Saleyards has joined a growing list of EU-accredited saleyards nationally;

In the 2016/17 Financial Year, the Dalby Saleyards saw 208,409 head of cattle through the facility and this number is expected to increase with the greater trading opportunities available through the EU market;

All six livestock agents who operate at the Dalby Saleyards are EUCAS accredited, with last week’s sale day being the first time EUCAS cattle were traded at the facility since becoming fully accredited on 1 July;

Continuing to lead the way in animal welfare, the Dalby Saleyards were also recently accredited under the National Saleyards Quality Assurance program.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Council Facilities Councillor Ray Brown said taking the final step in making the Dalby Regional Saleyards fully EUCAS accredited was an easy decision to make.

“Despite some constraints on marketing access, there’s no arguing with the numbers, with the EU being Australia’s highest value export market on a per tonne basis when it comes to beef,” he said.

“By getting the final tick of approval from the Federal Department of Agriculture we’re ensuring that the Dalby Saleyards vendors can take advantage of the high-value opportunities available to them through the European Union.

“Not only are we keeping up with our competitors, we’re also ensuring that we’re delivering better outcomes for our buyers and sellers as well as opening up more reasons for producers to use our state-of-the-art Saleyards.”

Cr Brown said that by becoming EUCAS accredited Council are making sure that the Dalby Regional Saleyards are continuing to lead the way when it comes to animal welfare.

“EUCAS means that accredited cattle sold through the Saleyards are fully traceable through the National Livestock Identification Network, and allows for us to meet the European Union market requirements for separating beef that has been treated with hormonal growth promotants,” he said.

“As recognised industry leaders in animal welfare, we’re committed to maintaining national standards when it comes to quality assurance that’s why we’ve also made the final step to become fully accredited under the National Saleyards Quality Assurance Program.”

For more information on the Dalby Regional Saleyards @ Western Downs, and accredited agents visit our website.